Water is a ubiquitous substance that is appreciated by scientists and artists alike as a medium for experimentation and artistic interpretation. The unique properties of water make it a universal solvent useful in separating complex mixtures. Dyes found in food coloring and markers are particularly miscible in water. This lesson will explore the concept of color as a complex mixture. It will also explore the unique properties of water that make it a good "mix separator," using hands-on techniques like paper chromatography and virtual science.

Students will understand and use sensory elements, organizational principles and expressive images to communicate their own ideas in works of art. Students will use a variety of art materials, processes, mediums, and techniques and use appropriate technologies for creating and exhibiting visual art works.

Students understand and use the elements and principles of art (line, color, texture, and shape) in order to communicate their ideas.

Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.

Chromatography of Mr. Sketch Pen Colorshttp://science.csustan.edu/tutorial/color
This site examines the difference between additive and subtractive primary color mixtures, and provides a reference chromatogram for the separation of dyes found in Mr. Sketch brand markers.

Visionlearning: Chemical Bondingwww.visionlearning.com/library/science/chemistry-1/CHE1.7-bonding.htm
This site explores the differences in chemical bonding: ionic, covalent polar and covalent non-polar. Pop-up window simulations of the synthesis of sodium chloride, hydrogen and water are presented. Links to self-paced assessments and review sites are available.

Waterwww.sirius.com/~johnkyrk/H2O.html
This interactive site examines the molecular structure of water and how its structure affects its properties. Shockwave plug-in required (may be downloaded on the site).

Water Module: Concepts and Challengeshttp://cwis.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/modules/water/water_concepts.html
This site examines the properties of water that enable it to form hydrogen bonds. Web-based movies are accessible using Windows QuickTime Media Player or VRML plug-in, allowing students to visualize polarity effects, molecular motion, rotation and symmetry.